Janine Pendleton is an explorer of abandoned sites. I traverse the world in quest of incredible forgotten spots to photograph and share with the world. I believe there is a lot of beauty in what humanity leaves behind when we leave our ruins to be reclaimed by nature.
Even the most majestic structures succumb to the ravages of time. This massive facility was previously the administrative headquarters of one of France’s largest steel corporations. This was the repository for all of the industry’s paper records, which documented the transactions and finances over the years. It was created in the 1890s with the intention of storing documents as well as displaying the company’s steelwork. The massive atrium features a stunning skylight. All of that glass and concrete is supported by iron girders made at their own adjacent steelworks. When the French steel industry failed in the 1980s, the offices were shuttered and abandoned.
For a photographer of industrial ruins like me, the striking atrium is the major draw here. The remainder of the labyrinthine structure, on the other hand, is incredibly picturesque. I spent several hours wandering through the passageways and chambers. I took in the ambiance and photographed it in 12 shots. I hope you like these!
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Upstairs, An Interesting Relic Can Be Found: A Vintage Typewriter
My photographic odyssey began in 2015, when I discovered an abandoned amusement park near my house. I used to go there as a youngster, so it seemed like a good place to start. I was immediately fascinated and began traveling the UK shortly after, followed by a trip abroad in 2016. I traveled from Manchester to Europe, taking through Belgium, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, and France in a large circle. I mostly photograph abandoned buildings, but I’ve just begun to picture landscapes and wildlife to broaden my horizons.
Ornate Metalwork Supports The Glass-Covered Atrium
The Long Dark Corridors Have Been Abandoned Since The 1980s
The most difficult aspect of the creative process is not knowing whether or not the locations will be accessible. Nothing is worse than travelling three hours to see a location only to discover that it has been burned down or is tightly shut. As a result, when I go on a vacation, I construct a broad map with dozens of destinations to ensure (hopefully) that there are many successes to go along with the inevitable flops. It’s all part of the fun!
The road journey itself is my favorite part. Filling the vehicle with unknown local goodies and beverages. Putting on the car trip music playlist and entering the next destination into the GPS. The fondest memories for me are formed when driving, appreciating the view, and sharing the experience with close friends.
More Of The Steel Company’s Metalwork Can Be Seen To Form The Stair Handrails And Elevators
The Atrium Of This Administration Office Is A Wonder To Photograph, Even In Ruins
My objective is to share images of beautiful abandoned sites, as well as their history and context. I usually write an article to go along with each collection of images from a site, and I hope others find the material useful. I believe it is critical to contextualize these images and tell the tale of the vanished land.
Even The Darkest Corner Offers Some Interesting Photographic Opportunities, Thanks To Some Gentle Evening Light
Viewing The Atrium From The Upper Floor, More Details Of The Metalwork Can Be Admired
I look for abandoned sites in three ways. To begin, conduct considerable web research. I spend a lot of time researching satellite maps and studying papers and archives for hints to locations. Second, by collaborating with my travel companions, who share my enthusiasm for developing a shared map for a certain trip. Finally, by just keeping my eyes alert when traveling. I frequently come upon abandoned places while going to a chosen destination.
The Architecture Of The Location Is Stunning, With The Subdued Colours Allowing The Diverse Textures Of Decay To Dominate The Photographs
Yellow Paint Still Clings To This Stairway, As Concrete And Plaster Crumble
I’m constantly looking for new places to visit, and the next one on my list is either Lebanon or Spain. I also intend to return to the Baltics; however, I did not have time to visit Estonia on my previous trip.
I recently began shooting 35mm film with my grandfather’s Soviet-era equipment. I’m hoping to launch a side project based on these photographs; I think filming abandoned sites would be a fascinating avenue to take. I’m having a great time shooting with this camera; it’s a new challenge for me!
The Immense Skylight Is Still Standing Strong, A Testament To The Fine Steelwork This Company Produced
These Shelves Were Once Packed With The Financial Records Of This French Steel Empire
Only A Few Scraps Of The Paperwork Remain, On Shelves That Are Mainly Empty
